College Professor · Salary Comparison · 2026
College Professor Salary: Pittsburgh, PA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for College Professors in Pittsburgh, PA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$61,000 vs $94,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$67,778 vs $58,025
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$60,704 vs $53,615
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $61,000 | $94,000▲ | -$33,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,970 | $72,380▲ | -$25,410 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,080 | $120,320▲ | -$42,240 |
| 90th Percentile | $97,600 | $150,400▲ | -$52,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 162 | -72 |
| State Income Tax | 3.07% | 0%▲ | +3.07% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $67,778▲ | $58,025 | +$9,753 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $54,634 | $86,856▲ | -$32,222 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $60,704▲ | $53,615 | +$7,089 |
| Total Employment | 21,000 | 87,000 | -66,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Pittsburgh, PA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $33,000 more (median: $61,000 vs $94,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 90 vs 162), Pittsburgh, PA provides better purchasing power ($67,778 vs $58,025 equivalent). Seattle, WA has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.